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SpanishThe top-tier LaLiga will launch a talent identification program in Lagos on Saturday (today), seeking to find eight young players for an advanced development opportunity in Spain. This marks the league’s expansion of its international scouting efforts to Nigeria, after previously focusing on Japan, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.

The football project coordinator for LaLiga Next Gen Draft, Carlos Casal, stated to PUNCH Sports Extra that Nigeria was chosen following research indicating the nation’s significant presence in top-tier European football and the vast potential within its underutilized talent pool.

“Initially, we conducted research to determine how many players from Africa are competing in the top European leagues. Nigeria was among the top three, with approximately 25 to 26 players, along with Senegal and Ivory Coast. That provided us with a strong indication,” he stated.

Nigeria possesses a massive population with a significant proportion of young individuals, indicating that there is far more talent than what is currently visible. There is already a substantial number of skilled players, but due to the size of the population, there remains a great deal yet to be uncovered. This is why Nigeria is the ideal location to provide opportunities to more people.

Casal mentioned that the project is intended to be a long-term effort rather than a single occurrence, emphasizing that involvement is entirely free.

“This represents a crucial strategic initiative for LaLiga. It’s the second year we’ve been involved in this, and we have strong confidence in it since it allows players to compete and demonstrate their abilities. None of the participants are required to pay any fees; all expenses are covered,” he stated.

The mission isn’t about discovering the next Messi or the next Ronaldo. The aim is to bring football to the community and the players. Nigeria was one of our initial choices, and in the future, we plan to focus on more countries throughout Africa. Hopefully, if the project keeps going, we would be thrilled to return to Nigeria.

Additionally, speaking to PUNCH Sports Extra regarding the event, Super Falcons defender Miracle Usani, a LaLiga global ambassador who joined the LaLiga Academy in Madrid in 2023, encouraged young athletes to make the most of the chance through dedication and concentration.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude for this chance. Programs such as this are crucial for young athletes, as this is where I also began my own path. I am here today because of opportunities like this,” she stated.

I am encouraging the younger generation that if you truly wish to play football, you need to remain concentrated. Concentrate on your football, concentrate on your education, and keep getting better each day, as you may not have this chance again.

The LaLiga FC Futures Next Gen Draft 2026 is being organized in partnership with EA Sports, Nigeria’s third-tier league Nationwide League One, and Legacy Sports, with events held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.

The U-14 tournament takes place on Saturday and Sunday, gathering 24 teams, consisting of twelve boys’ and twelve girls’ teams.

The Lagos trials will end on Sunday, with selected teams competing against one local male team and one local female team. From these last matches, four boys and four girls will be selected to move forward to the final stage of the program, which features a fully sponsored development opportunity in Spain later this year.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).